Tio{11 {11 slurries having a high solids content

ABSTRACT

Pigment slurries of 70% by weight solids contents are shown to have long term stability even when exposed to typical paper making chemicals such as calcium carbonate. The aqueous slurries are formulated with pigment containing a small but effective admixed amount of polyhydric alcohol and an alkanolamine, and with water which contains a small but effective amount of a second alkanol-amine which provides a slurry pH of at least 9.

United States Patent [191 Knapp et al.

[ TIO SLURRIES HAVING A HIGH SOLIDS CONTENT [75] Inventors: Donald Edward Knapp, Savannah,

Ga.; Lindo Paul Nageroni, Bound Brook, NJ.

[73] Assignee: American Chemical Company,

Stamford, Conn.

[22] Filed: Jan. 17, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 218,453

Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-impart of Ser. No. 55,286, July 15,

1970, abandoned.

[52] U.S. Cl. 106/300 [51] Int. Cl. C09c l/62 [58] Field of Search 106/300 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,649,323 3/1972 Roe et a]. 106/300 Nov. 13, 1973 3,674,528 7/1972 Bronson 106/300 3,510,334 5/1970 Goodspeed 106/300 3,506,466 4/1970 Bramekamp et al 106/300 2,933,408 4/1960 Dempster etal. 106/300 3,702,773 11/1972 Hall et al. 106/300 Primary Examiner-Delbert E. Gantz Assistant Examiner-James W. Hellwege Attorney-Roland A. Dexter [57] ABSTRACT Pigment slurries of 70% by weight solids contents are shown to have long term stability even when exposed to' typical paper making chemicals such as calcium carbonate. The aqueous slurries are formulated with pigment containing a small but effective admixed amount of polyhydric alcohol and an alkanolamine, and with water which contains a small but effective amount of a second alkanol-amine which provides a slurry pH of at least 9.

5 Claims, No Drawings T102 SLURRIES HAVING A HIGH soups CONTENT This is a continuation-in-part of our copending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 55,286, filed July 15, 1970, now abandoned.

The present invention relates to stable titanium dioxide slurries of high solids content (70% by weight of pigment and higher). It particularly relates to pigment slurries which have stable, low viscosities as the result of the presence of a normal non-volatile polyhydric alcohol in combination with a plurality of alkanolamines.

Titanium dioxide is at present the premier white pigment of commerce. It is generally produced by either hydrolyzing an aqueous solution of a titanium salt such as a sulfate and calcining the hydrolysate at 750l000 C. or oxidizing a titanium halide, e.g., titanium tetrachloride, at elevated temperatures of 800 C. and higher, followed by cooling to a temperature below 600 C. The product resulting from the calcination or oxidation contains a substantial amount of oversized, gritty TiO particles which are broken up by either wet or dry grinding. Drying, following wet grinding, frequently causes cementation of agglomerates requiring a further milling treatment before a smooth textured pigment product can be obtained. In the dry milling operation, suspending agents and dispersing aids are often introduced during the milling to facilitate the reduction of the pigment to fine, uniform-sized particles. An optimum means for dry grinding is a fluid energy mill in which the pigment particles are conveyed by a gaseous fluid, such as air or steam, into the outer portion of an inwardly spiralling vortex at high velocity and in a manner which will maintain the vortex at a high rotative speed and a relatively low inward speed whereby the pigment aggregates may be fractured.

Triethanolamine alone and with aerogel has been suggested as a dispersion aid during grinding to enhance the fineness and gloss of titanium dioxide pigments. It has also been suggested that water dispersible titanium dioxide pigments can be produced from calcined pigment material which has been wet milled and preferably hydro-separated by utilizing certain amines as organic dispersants, which amines includes monoethanolamine, morpholine and triethanolamine. Unfortunately, aqueous slurries of high solids content (70% by weight and higher) of such pigments tend to settle and form, upon standing, a hard sediment which is difficult to redisperse.

It is also known that generally water-dispersible Ti pigments form a deflocculated slurry in hard water and consequently settle within 2-3 hours into a very coherent sediment which is extremely difficult to reincorporate to a uniform slurry.

The sedementation characteristics of such aqueous dispersions of titanium dioxide particles have been improved by the presence of normal water soluble polyols, including sorbitol and mannitol. Unfortunately, such polyols frequently degrade when exposed to high temperatures and cause noticeable discoloration.

A copending U.S. Pat. application, Ser. No. 857,583, filed Sept. 12, 1969 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,323, teaches that high solids content pigment slurries can be stabilized to useful viscosities by the presence of normal, non-volatile polyhydric alcohol in combination with an alkanolamine. Unfortunately such slurries are unstable in the presence of dry or slurried calcium carbonate which is frequently encountered in the production of paper.

It is an object of the invention to overcome the foregoing and related disadvantages of water dispersed pigment slurries of high solids content.

It is a further object of the invention to obtain a high solids content pigment slurry which is viscosity stabilized, i.e., has resistance to flocculation and settling in water, particularly in the presence of calcium carbonate.

lt has been discovered that slurries derived from dry titanium dioxide pigment particles which have been admixed with a small amount of viscosity stabilizer such as sorbitol and triethanolamine are materially improved in their dispersibility and resistance to flocculation in water, particularly aqueous systems having high calcium carbonate content when a second alkanolamine is present.

The amount of the viscosity stabilizing agent carried by pigment of the U.S. Pat. No. 3,649,323 is small. The minimum effective amount has not yet been determined, but the evidence is that this minimum is about 0.2% of the dry weight of the pigment. At the other extreme, pigment carrying more than about 3% by weight of the agent possesses closely similar properties to those possessed by pigment carrying somewhat less agent, so that the value of 3% is taken as the upper practical limit. In practice we find that the optimum amount of agent occurs within the range of about 0.2% to 1%, and this range is accordingly preferred. The scope of the invention is not restricted by the above ingredients. The viscosity stabilizing agent is a normal, nonvolatile polyhydric alcohol, which incluses sorbitol and mannitol, and it is combined with an alkanolamine. Representative of the alkanolamines are: mixed isopropanolamines; diisopropanolamine; diisopropylethanol-amine; 2-amino-2-methyl-l ,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyll -propanol; 2-amino-2 -ethyl-l ,3-

propanediol; 2-dimethylamino-2-methyll -propanol; aminoethanolamine; diethylethanolamine; N- methylethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine;

N-aminopropyl-morpholine; digylcolamine; and triethanolamine.

Of these alkanolamines, triethanolamine is preferred because of its unique slurry stabilization property when used in combination with sorbitol and 2-amino-2- methyl-l-propanol. All of these alkanolamines are characterized by the unique property of providing stability to high solids content pigment slurries when admixed with a normal, nonvolatile polydydric alcohol such as sorbitol. They can all be considered water soluble in the contect of this invention.

As noted above in the present invention a second alkanolamine is present in the slurry, however, not all alkanolamines are suitable. The suitable second alkanolamines, characterized by exhibiting a pH at or above 9 in aqueous slurry systems, include: monoethanolamine; aminoethylethanolamine; N-methylethanolamine; diethanolamine; dimethylethanolamine; diisopropylethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine; monoisopropanolamine; diisopropanolamine; morpholine; N-aminopropylmorpholine; 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol; 2- arnino-l-butanol; 2-amino-2-methyl-l ,3-propane diol; and tris-(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane.

The amount of the second alkanolamine present in the slurry may vary within the wide limits but an amount of at least 0.05% to 5.0% (based on the amount of the titanium dioxide present) is preferred. Below 0.5% no useful enhancement of stabilization is discernible. Amounts in excess of do not appear to give sufficiently improved results to warrant the use of the additional alkanolamine is such concentrations.

The titanium dioxide pigment, both anatase and rutile, benefited by the present invention includes those grades which contain small amounts of alkali metal, alkaline earth metal salts and other cations as conditioning agents. in addition the salts of other metals such as antimony and zinc as brighteners and rutile converters may be present. The amount of these salts and agents is usually less than 5% of the weight of the pigment; but, is not restricted to that level.

Dry pigment described in copending application Ser. No. 857,853 can be prepared according to a number of procedures. One convenient method is to meter the input feed of the treating agent and the pigment into a fluid energy mill. With care it is possible to meter the small amount of treating agent uniformly into the stream of pigment prior to entry to the mill, and the mill action may aid in distributing the agent among the particles.

In practice, it is more convenient to supply the reagents by the use of a solvent medium. According to this method the reagents are dissolved in a suitable solvent, e.g., water, and the solution added to dry titanium dioxide pigment prior to milling. Although each of the above reagents improves the compatibility of the pigment with hard water, the combination of sorbitol and triethanol-amine gave pigment the best slurry properties.

The following examples show results of the invention obtained when carrying out the processes therefor.

EXAMPLE 1 1,000 Grams of anatase calciner discharge were blended with sorbitol and triethanolamine. 2.5 Grams of sorbitol as a 70% aqueous solution with 2.5 Grams of triethanolamine were added dropwise onto the ca]- ciner discharge. The resultant admixture was vigorously shaken in a container before processing through an 8-inch diameter laboratory micronizer using superheated steam at 460-470 F. at 120 psig. The resultant coated pigment is then suitable for processing into the high solids content slurries.

EXAMPLE 2 The data set forth in this example show both the utility of the present invention as well as the effect of varying the amount of the second alkanolamine in the water as regards to the pH and stability of the test slurries as shown in Table 1. Table 11 shows the compatibility of the same test slurries with a calcium carbonate slurry. The pigment of EXAMPLE 1 is made into test slurries by first adding the second alkanolamine to water and thereafter adding the pigment with agitation. Sample 1 in both tables is a control slurry with no second amine added to the water.

References and are the same as in Table I.

+ This test procedure specifies that equal volumes of slurries of about 70% by weight each of T10, and Snowflake Whiting" CaCo are thoroughly hand mixed and the viscosity of the resultant mixture is then measured as a function of time.

EXAMPLE 3 The second alkanolamine as noted is characterized by providing a pH of at least 9 in aqueous high-solids content pigment slurry systems and will retain such a pH over long periods of time, 4 weeks or longer.

Test slurries were prepared according to the procedure of EXAMPLE 2, but other alkanolamines were substituted for the 2-amino-2-methyl-l-propanol at the 0.5% by weight level (based on the TiO content). The

data of Table 111 show that the pH of the slurries prepared according to this invention are all 2 9.0 after 4 weeks, while the pl-l of the control slurry, i.e., no s66- ond amine, is less than 9.0 initially and is lowered after a 2 week aging period to 7.7.

T A B L E III Sample Second 1 wk. 2 wits. 4 wks. No. Alkanolamine pH pH pH 1 Monoethanol 10.2 10.2 10.0 amine 2 Aminoethyletha 10.2 10.2 10.2

nolamine 3 N-methylethanol 10.2 10.2 10.2

amine 4 Diethylethanol 9.9 9.9 10.0

amine 5 Diemethylethanol 9.6 9.6 9.7

amine 6 Diisopropyletha 9.85 9.8 9.8

nolarnine 7 Diethanoiamine 9.4 9.1 9.2 8 Methyldiethanol 9.0 9.1 9.2

amine 4O 9 Monoisopropanol 10.0 10.0 10.2

amine l0 Diisopropanol 9.2 9.2 9.2

amine 1 1 Morpholine 9.2 9.2 9.3 12 N-aminopropyl 9.95 9.9 9.9

morpholine 13 2,6-Dimethyl 9.3 8.9 9.0

morpholine 14 2-amino-2-methyl 10.5 10.1 10.1

-l-propano1 15 None (Control) 8.0 7.7 7.6

(All are characterized by excellent slurry stability and noteworthy stability in the presence of calcium carbonate slurries, except for the control Sample No. 15).

lization over extended periods of time of slurries containing more than by weight of conventional paper grade pigment (pigment not admixed with sorbitol and triethanolamine).

TABLE I Percent 0 wk. 1 wk. 2 wk. 3 Wk. 4 wk. Percent AMP" Sample TiOg" ad dad pH Vise. pH Vise pH Vise. pH V150. pH Vise!" 1 73. 0 0. 0 8. 0 440 7. 7 610 7. 7 460 7. 8 510 7. 6 510 2- 74.0 0. 25 9.7 810 9.2 1,100 0.2 1,070 9.2 1,060 9.2 1,210 3 73. E 0. 50 10. 2 860 10. 0 1, 120 10. 0 1,150 10. 0 1 260 9. 8 1, 220 4 73. 0 0. 10. 4 D10 10. 3 1, 240 10. Z 1, 260 10. 2 1,310 10. 0 1, 460 5 7 1. 0 1. 0O 10. 5 970 10. 4 1, 240 10. 4 1, 400 10. 4 l, 510 10.2 1, 670

"As measured by loss on ignition.

"Percent 2-amino-2methyl-l-propan0l added. Based on Weight of T102 but added to the water prior to the addition of the pigment.

r.p.m.

*"Viseosity in all cases is measured in centipoises by Brookfield viscometer Model LVF, N 0. 4 spindle, at 25 C. and 60 EXAMPLE 4 Instead of using the admixture of sorbitol and triethanolamine as the additive micronized onto the calciner tomers plant utilizing common pumping and piping facilities; and, lower volume in transit than dry or drybulk shipment.

What is claimed is:

discharge, a series of alkanolamines were substituted 5 L A high solids content pigment slurry of at least for the triethanolamine in order to access the utility of 70% by weight of titanium dioxide pigment dispersed Such vafied Systems It found that these modlfied in water, said pigment having admixed therewith from high solids content slurries had expected improved sta- 02 to 30 weight percent of Said pigment of a normal bility in the presence of calcium carbonate slurries. The nonwolafile polyhydric alcohol of the class consisting peoeedure E I was 9 except that the of sorbitol, mannitol and mixtures thereof and a first triethanolamine was replaced individually by each of alkanolamine Said slurry containing from 050% to the f alkanelammes as Set forth m TABLE 5.0% by weight based on said titanium dioxide content The mleremzee pigment P were made test of a second alkanolamine which provides a pH of at Slurnes by addmg o's% least 9 for said slurry, said first alkanolamine being a besed thevlfelght of the Pgmem to the e The different compound than said second alkanolamine. pigment containing the referenced alkanolamine was Slurry according to claim 1, wherein the polyhy Subsequently added m an amount to provlde for 725% dric alcohol is sorbitol and said first alkanolamine is triby weight solids slurry. ethanolamine.

T vlseeslty data of (1) Table Iv were 3. Slurry according to claim 1, wherein said second tamed from test Samples denved by thmmghly hand alkanolamine is of the class consisting of monoethanolcomixing equal volumes of about 70% by weight slurry amine, aminoethylthanolamine of each respeeeve dry i with 70% slerry methylethanolamine; diethanolamine; dimethyle- Snowflake pacoa the vlseoslty thanolamine; diisopropylethanolamine; methyldiethof each esu ant mlxmre ter 1 ours anolamine; monoisopropanolamine; diisopropa- The viscosity data of columns (2) and (3) of Table nolamine; morpholine; N- mino-propylm0rph0line; IV are based on the test procedure set forth in said US. 2 amino 2 methyl l propanol 2 amin o l butan n i 1 Pat. No. 3,649,323 in EXA MPL E I, which data hereafamino 2 methyl 13 pmpanediol; and tris(hydroxy ter reported were determined initially and after one methynaminomethane e the viscosity ofa 65% solid Slurry prepered by 4. Slurry according to claim 3, wherein said second diluting a 72% solid slurry of the dry treated pigment alkanolamine is 2 amino 2 methyl l propanol and with hard water to give a final hardness of about 400 present in an amount of about 05% by weight measured at h above deslgna'ted 5. Slurry according to claim 1, wherein said first alka- TABLE IV iscosity After 16 After one Sample Alkanolaxnine hours (1) Initial (2) day (3) Mixed isopropanolamines 2, 600 2,000 2 Diisopropanolamine 3,100 50 3, 200 3, Diisopi'opylethanolamine 2, 700 1, 300 10, 000 4 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propan 1, 700 50 100 5 2-amino-2-metliyl-1-propanol a 1, 700 25 5, 300 6 Z-amino-Z-ethyl-l,3-propane diol 1, 650 50 50 7 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-l-propanol 2,000 1, 100 4, 150 8 Aminoethanolamine 2,100 400 4,650 9 Dietliylethanolamine 2, 100 2, 150 7, 350 10,. N-methylethanolamine 2, 500 25 4, 400 11 Methyldiethanolamine 1, 900 25 1, 750 12 N-aminopropylmorpholine- 2, 300 25 4, 100 13 Diglycolamine 1, 950 25 3, 700 14 Control 10,000 10,000 15 Tiiethanolamine 2, 700 50 50 N 0'iE.Viscosily in all cases is measured in centi at ?5 C. and GOVIIILJTL.

poises by Brookfield viscometer Model LVF, No. 4 spindle,

nolamine is of the class consisting of mixed isopropanolamines; diisopropanolamine; diisopropylcthanolamine; 2-amino-2-methyl-l ,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyll -propanol; 2-amino-2-ethyl-l ,3- pro-panediol; 2-dimethylamino-Z-methyll -pr0panol; aminoethanolamine; diethylethanolamine; N- methylethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine; diglycolamine; and triethanolamine.

. UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Inventor(s) DONALD EDWARD KNAPP, ET. AL.

' It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet, [73] Assignee change "Chemical" to Cyanamid Also on the cover sheet [75], Inventors change "Nageroni" to Nangeroni Also on the cover sheet [57] Abstract, line 8, "a1kano1amine" should read alkanolamin'e Column 3, line 16, "No. 857,853" should read 857,583 Column 3, line 31, "triethanol-amine" should read triethanolamine Column 3, line 39, "with" should read and Column 6, line 54, "pro-panediol" should read propaned-iol Signed and sealed this 6th day of August 1974 (SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON, JR. c. MARSHALL- DANN Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents ($59) USCOMM-DC ooa-lo-Pu l-Ls. GOVERNNENT PRINTING OFFICE I", 0-36-33. 

2. Slurry according to claim 1, wherein the polyhydric alcohol is sorbitol and said first alkanolamine is triethanolamine.
 3. Slurry according to claim 1, wherein said second alkanolamine is of the class consisting of monoethanolamine; aminoethylthanolamine; N-methylethanolamine; diethanolamine; dimethylethanolamine; diisopropylethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine; monoisopropanolamine; diisopropanolamine; morpholine; N-amino-propylmorpholine; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; 2-amino-1-butanol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; and tris(hydroxy-methyl)aminomethane.
 4. Slurry according to claim 3, wherein said second alkanolamine is 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol and present in an amount of about 0.5% by weight.
 5. Slurry according to claim 1, wherein said first alkanolamine is of the class consisting of mixed isopropanolamines; diisopropanolamine; diisopropylethanolamine; 2-amino-2-methyl-1, 3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-pro-panediol; 2-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol; aminoethanolamine; diethylethanolamine; N-methylethanolamine; methyldiethanolamine; diglycolamine; and triethanolamine. 